IUCN threat status:

Brief Summary

Biology

Although little information is available regarding the specific biology of the spiny pipehorse, most pipehorses are known to feed on minute animals living on the ocean bottom or within the water, such as tiny crustaceans (3). All pipehorses also have a remarkable and unique method of reproduction (3). During the breeding period, the tail of the male becomes brightly coloured and spongy (6). The female deposits eggs on to the underside of the male's tail (3) (5), where they are fertilized. The male then holds the responsibility of incubating the precious brood until they hatch (3).